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#I got some refund for my psychology appointments
thebadascetic · 1 month
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Small Steps Towards Big Goals
This week has been a mixed bag. I've been able to mostly keep to my dairy fast. Getting to finally have cheese again was such a rewarding experience. My fiance made me gnocchi, a perfect Lent meal that I had never had before and I enjoyed it immensely. I'll have to learn to make it myself for him one day. I also bought dairy free butter to allow me to at least have toast, one of my staples for this past week. But let's move on from food.
I finally finished my skirt on Tuesday. I had begun making it several months ago and had finished most of it by Christmas Day so I was able to wear it then but it took me until Tuesday to finish off the last section. It still needs a good iron and it's not the most skillful work ever done but it's only my second ever sewing project so I'm going to go easy on myself.
Wednesday was by far one of my most fun days. My friend and her brother took me to a carpark so I could learn to drive for the first time! I was there for about two hours, mainly going around this carpark over and over again but was eventually able to drive up the road and go around the roundabout. I feel very proud of myself for taking that first step but am still somewhat apprehensive for my next time driving. Towards the end of my two hours, one of the tyres hit something and had to be changed over. We were fine, it didn't affect the drive at all. Just created a bump in the tyre is all.
On Thursday, our Catholic young adult group started back up. I may have mentioned before but this year, I want to try and be more sociable at this group and become better friends with everyone. I was able to have a good conversation with a couple of people that I think I'll have the best chance of developing a friendship outside of the group with.
Towards the end of this week is where things became a little more sour. Five Uber Eats transactions that I didn't make showed up in my bank account, all from Thursday during a one hour window in the afternoon. I didn't see them until I began work on Friday. They added up to $82. I reported the transactions to my bank and then filled out a form on the Uber Eats website the next day. Fortunately, they are planning to refund the charges. Two of the charges have since disappeared and the other three are still pending so I'll just have to wait and see what happens.
Sunday came with a beautiful Divine Liturgy, as it should. The priest that came down to say the Liturgy is the one organising my Catechism. He brought with him a book for me: Christian Initiation of Children. It's a book all about baptising children. Obviously I'm not a child, but it still has a lot of good information on why we baptise, what will happen during my baptism, the role of sponsors, and how to prepare for my baptism. And the parts that pertain purely to infant and child baptism, as our priest said, will be useful to my fiance and I in the married life. It's a beautiful book, filled with prayers for conception, pregnancy, before and after childbirth, and for new mothers and fathers. I'd like to add some of those prayers to my intercessory prayers for my friend who herself is pregnant. The book is also presented in both English and Ukrainian, which will be useful for language learning. I've already picked up on the word for baptism (Хрещення). I've been told to read it with my fiance and we've already started it. I'm eager to continue. I've started reading the youth catechism I was given some months ago. I know a bit more than I knew then so it's starting to make more sense to me.
Today has been quite a calming day. I went to a psychology appointment that has left me feeling more comfortable with the direction my life is heading and what I'm focusing on. I also got to see the therapy dog again and was able to get some pictures of her. She's a lovely, albeit sleepy, lady. I've finally brought the bins to the curb. Someone was taking them up each week when we moved in but recently they stopped and our apartment building has gone a few weeks with no bins being emptied so I've taken them up tonight.
Lastly, I ordered some books for my fiance's birthday last month but they still haven't arrived. I had contacted the monastery that printed them last week and have been in contact with one of the nuns. She's all but prepared to print the books again for us, free of charge, but asked to wait two more weeks to make it a full month due to frequent delays in the Australian Post Office. My fiance agreed and wouldn't you know it: tonight, I found a warning in my mail box telling me that I'll need to pick up my package or they'll be returned to sender. All this for a package that I've gotten no update or notice about at all 🙃. Hopefully, it'll be my fiance's books.
Glory to Jesus Christ!
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louisshomesharry · 3 years
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I’m going to a restaurant tonight! victory :D
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tiramisiyu · 3 years
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【未定事件簿】Tears of Themis: Main Story 5-37 Translation
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Translated parts: Chapter 5 – Sounds of Falling Snow (Part 1, 2, 3): 5-1 / 5-3 / 5-5 / 5-7 / 5-9 / 5-11 / 5-13 ♦️ ♦️  5-14 / 5-16 / 5-18 / 5-20 / 5-22 / 5-24 / 5-26 / 5-28 ♦️ ♦️ 5-29 / 5-31 / 5-33 / 5-35 / 5-37 / 5-39 / 5-40 / 5-42 / 5-43
Translation Masterlist: here
Video: (39:27) https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV15a4y1j7CW?
Stellis City Police Station
MC: Wang Han, do you still remember how many lies you told yesterday, straight to my face?
Wang Han: I didn’t tell any lies. Everything I said was true…
MC: What I want to understand is the truth behind Kong Moli’s car crash.
MC: You can tell me about this matter. Qiu Heng can also tell me. Right now, he’s in the room right beside this.
MC: To me, there’s no difference between the two of you, but there is only one chance for a commuted sentence due to meritorious service.
MC: Tell me, will he be like you, quibbling until the end, or will he tell me a reasonable and fair truth and let himself be completely exonerated?
Wang Han: !!!
> Have Wang Han explain brake pedal maintenance service
> Have Wang Han explain son’s work
MC: Wang Han, do you know what the reason for Kong Moli’s car crash accident was?
Wang Han: I heard the police say that it was the brakes losing control.
MC: That’s right. On Kong Moli’s SUV, there was one brake pedal that was too worn, resulting in the brakes losing control.
MC: What a big coincidence that her SUV was the same model as the one that you sold off.
MC: Your car originally had an appointment for brake maintenance service. Why did you suddenly cancel the service?
MC: Could it be that you switched Kong Moli’s brakes onto your own car?
Wang Han: It wasn’t! I was just about to change cars, so I cancelled the replacement service!
MC: You’re lying!
MC: After the water pollution, the whole village’s livelihood suffered consequences. You also farmed for Rainbow heart fish. At that time, you really had the heart to change cars?
MC: Plus, yesterday you also lied that the car parked in your yard wasn’t yours!
MC: Lying about this kind of thing where it’s so easy to check the owner – how stupid could you be!
MC: If there is nothing odd about you changing cars, then why would you lie!
Wang Han: I actually was…
Wang Han: When the paper mill paid compensation for the pollution, I somewhat gave myself a little more. 
Wang Han: It just so happened that the original SUV needed maintenance, so I just simply changed for a new car…
MC: (He actually admitted that he got greedy with the villagers’ compensation…)
MC: (This instead became an excuse for him to cover up the murder…)
> Have Wang Han explain brake pedal maintenance service > Have Wang Han explain son’s work 
MC: Wang Han, I found that your son works at a medical store that Heirson holds controlling shares for.
MC: Looking at that medical store’s typical recruitment criteria, neither your son’s academics or work experience meet them. 
MC: Can you explain to me how your son obtained this job position?
MC: Was this the exchange condition that Heirson used to instruct you to kill Kong Moli?
Wang Han: Heirson’s laboratory was built in out village. Of course they would give me some benefits, as the village chief…
Wang Han: My son’s work was set three years ago. It has nothing to do with Kong Moli.
MC: (This entry point doesn’t have much attack power…)
> Prove that Wang Han had the motive to kill Kong Moli > Have Wang Han explain the reason he hid that Qiu Heng went to the village 
MC: Wang Han, it was you and Qiu Heng joining hands to kill Kong Moli, right.
MC: Otherwise, why would you lie, saying that you didn’t know that Qiu Heng went to Rainbow River Village?
MC: Because of his thievery, he was caught by Sun Heping and brought to the police station. Even Zhao Yuncui knew. You, the village head, could not have been unaware!
Wang Han: I did know, but I really hadn’t met with him.
Wang Han: I knew he was the key witness in Kong Moli’s case. At that time, I didn’t say because I feared provoking trouble…
Wang Han: At that time, I feared that if you two visited for a while in the village, you would notice the matter of me getting greedy with the compensation. I just wanted to have you leave quickly…
MC: (One instance of corruption became his all-purpose excuse…)
> Prove that Wang Han had the motive to kill Kong Moli
> Have Wang Han explain the reason he hid that Qiu Heng went to the village
MC: The accident’s compensation was just a one-time payment. How long could it have been sufficient for your family to splurge?
MC: Yesterday, I remember that I saw many of the newest, high-class luxury goods at your house.
MC: I see that your real economic source isn’t actually raising fish, nor is it the compensation. It’s the annual dividend Heirson gives to you!
I showed Wang Han the document that Lu Jinghe sent to my inbox. His face immediately became pale.
Wang Han: These dividends started from three years ago. This has nothing to do with Kong Moli…
MC: Why did Heirson use dividends to bribe you?
Wang Han: At the beginning, before the laboratory came, we specifically sought an environmental agency to do an assessment.
Wang Han: At that time, the water that the laboratory let out didn’t meet the required standards. It was me who helped settle things with the environmental agency to get a qualified document.
MC: Good that you’re admitting it!
MC: Your house’s good lifestyle is all reliant on Heirson’s dividends. Using that saying, I could say going from rags to riches is easy, while going from riches to rags is hard…
MC: If Kong Moli really exposed Heirson’s pollution, having Heirson become bankrupt due to fines, just like the paper mill…
MC: Then you wouldn’t be able to continue receiving these dividends!
MC: Aside from this, your son’s work was also set up by Heirson. If Heirson’s problems were investigated, then your son would also be at risk of losing his job.
MC: Unable to farm for Rainbow heart fish, no dividends, no work for your son – your house would be completely out of income sources!
MC: This reasoning was enough for you to murder Kong Moli!
Wang Han: I did hate her for blocking my road to fortune, but I didn’t hurt her.
Wang Han still wanted to quibble. Without waiting for him to spin more lies, Yan Wei knocked the door and entered.
Yan Wei: Lawyer, Qiu Heng says he wants to meet you, *cough cough*.
Coughing twice was the hint that Yan Wei and I had established, to create a sort of “Qiu Heng betrayed his ally” falsehood.
MC: Okay, Leader Yan, I’ll head over now.
MC: Wang Han, you can see now – if you’re not willing to talk, someone else will.
Just when I was about to leave this room, Wang Han suddenly stood up…
Wang Han: No, you cannot believe Qiu Heng! The person who killed Kong Moli was him!
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Pet Store
Xia Yan brought Youyou to Anrong Street, number 107. Here, there was a pet store.
Xia Yan: The address that your Auntie Moli left is here.
Xia Yan: Did she leave a pet for you?
Mu Ziyou shook his head.
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[Flashback]
Xia Yan: Where’s the password cylinder? Give it to me.
Mo Yi: Have you thought it through? If you guess wrong, the secret in here will be a secret forever.
Xia Yan: When I solve riddles, there’s never the possibility of me solving it wrong.
Mo Yi: You’re quite self-confident.
After a light, crisp sound, the password cylinder opened.
Xia Yan: You have anything else to say now?
Mo Yi: I hope you can be this lucky forever. I am serious.
Xia Yan took out the papyrus paper from the password cylinder. An address was written on it.
Xia Yan: Anrong Street, number 107 – isn’t this near Kong Moli’s house?
Mo Yi took out his phone to check the address – it was a pet store.
Mo Yi: It should be as I speculated – the thing in here was left by Kong Moli for Mu Ziyou. It’s not the essential evidence we’re looking for.
Xia Yan: Then we’ll keep looking. Plus, that child himself is proof of Heirson’s illegal activities.
Xia Yan: Right, how did you confirm that Mu Ziyou was not the one who placed the evidence in Kong Moli’s loft?
Mo Yi: It is true that Mu Ziyou is a child with high IQ, but he is still just a child.
Mo Yi: He could invade the big data lab and tamper with Kong Moli’s case file tags, but collecting those substantial evidences and placing them in the loft…
Mo Yi: He definitely wouldn’t be able to do this.
Xia Yan: I also had my suspicions about this point, but I couldn’t find clues.
Mo Yi: Mu Ziyou’s psychological condition requires treatment rehabilitation. That letter originally was a tool that I used for the treatment.
Mo Yi: By telling him that the letter was left in Kong Moli’s loft, I could both reduce how Mu Ziyou guarded his heart, and get a feel of the answer we want.
Mo Yi: It’s two birds, one stone, no?
Xia Yan: If Mu Ziyou once went to the loft to place evidence, then he would definitely know that the letter was faked by you.
Xia Yan: But if it wasn’t Mu Ziyou, then who could it be that placed the evidence and gave the investigation direction?
Xia Yan: And what is his motive for doing so?
Mo Yi: It’s hard to say whether this person is an enemy or friend.
[Flashback end]
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Pet Store Clerk: Mister, I’ve made you wait long.
Pet Store Clerk: We’ve checked the records – last year on September 12, a lady called Kong Moli ordered a British shorthair cat.
Pet Store Clerk: Ms. Kong paid the full price, but never came to get the cat.
Pet Store Clerk: We called Ms. Kong’s phone, and learned that Ms. Kong had passed, so we refunded her money.
Xia Yan: So it’s like this…
Xia Yan: That cat should be the birthday present Kong Moli was to send to Mu Ziyou…
Xia Yan turned around and went to look for Mu Ziyou.
During this time when he spoke to the clerk, Mu Ziyou had run off himself to the front of the pet store’s glass cages.
In the cat hut, two cute British shorthair cats were tumbling around, holding onto each other. 
They used their soft little paws to mutually pat at each other. It was hard to say if they were fighting or playing. 
Xia Yan: Do those two British shorthairs have a buyer?
Pet Store Clerk: No, those two just came to the store.
Xia Yan: I’ll have them both.
Pet Store Clerk: Are you sure you want two?
Xia Yan: Yep. If there’s only one, it’ll be lonely.
Xia Yan: Help me get matching sets of cat food, cat huts, toys, etc.
Xia Yan: Send them all to this address.
Xia Yan thought a bit and gave Mo Yi’s research centre address to the pet store clerk.
Xia Yan: What if the orphanage won’t allow having pets?
Xia Yan: Either way, he’ll be going to Mo Yi’s place sometimes. Putting them there to raise is the same.
Xia Yan took his phone to pay at checkout.
He didn’t see that behind him, Mu Ziyou was silently looking at him, faintly showing the first smiling expression that he had shown in the past few days.
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streetlites · 4 years
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“Stick a couple of bills here,” I hear Amber’s voice through the din of the dressing room.
“What are you guys doing?”  Sherry asks from somewhere behind me.
“Stormy said people are more likely to tip you if they see that you’ve already got some green on you,” Savannah answers, stuffing a couple of twenty bills in Amber’s top, pulling it down to reveal the pasties Amber’s glued on.
“Stormy’s full of shit,” I chime in. Stormy was a psychology undergrad and often believed she could use her classes to hustle a few extra dollars out of our guests.
“Well, it can’t hurt to try. Some asshole totaled my car and my insurance is only giving me a grand for it. Tell me what kind of car I can buy with that? Fucking HOA bitch breathing down my neck saying that it’s against the rules to have Suber driving through the gates.” Savannah says, pulling her own top down.
“What you should do is talk to Chianti when she comes in tonight,” Luxe answers, swiping her lips with bright red lipstick. “She’ll give you E for free if you take it in front of her.”
“Why would she do that?” Sherry asks.
“Because you’ll want to talk to the guys and let them touch you when you’re rolling. They end up staying longer and drinking more which means more tips for her.”
“And Mike is okay with it?” Savannah asks, doubtful.
“He must be, because she’s been doing it for months. Trust me, you’ll come out with a lot of money.” Luxe says, adjusting what appears to be a diamond choker around her neck. I watch as it catches the light in the dressing room, glittering. It doesn’t look fake.
I’m not the only one who notices; Sherry is also watching the other woman through her mirror. “You’re looking more dolled up that usual – What's the occasion?” She leans forward, smiling conspiratorially.
“An ex of mine is supposed to come in today and I want to remind him of what he’s been missing.” Luxe turns and makes sure that her skirt is short enough to show her thong underneath.
“Oh? You’re not holding off for you-know-who?”
I frown, “you-know-who" was clearly Bobbie Dominguez. The guy was a frequent visitor and had a running fling with several of the girls in the club, myself included. Not that any of us cared, he spent a lot of money on us and was very generous with gifts but he didn’t want you to see anyone else.  We’d had a fight last night because he had moaned Luxe’s name while in the private room with me – he had sent me a pair of red-bottoms I’d been eyeing as an apology. So, I’d forgive him, for now.
“Over my ex? Oh, God, no.” Luxe laughs. “My ex makes that guy look broke as fuck. Like, there’s not even a contest between the two.”
“Oh damn, for real?” Amber asks, squeezing in beside Sherry to check her make up. “Does he have a brother?” she jokes.  
“Two of them,” Luxe laughs. “If you want, I'll ask him if he'll bring the one that lives here the next time he comes out.”
There's a knock on the door, “You all decent in there?’ comes Mike’s voice from the other side.
I snort indelicately, we’re all strippers at his club; he sees us naked almost daily and still knocks. “Yes, Mike, we’re all dressed.” I answer.
“Good morning, Mikey,” Amber purrs but the man isn't paying attention. Instead, he's looking around the room and making notes of everyone that came in to pay house fees later.
He flips to the next page on his clipboard and looks to where we've gathered, “Good morning, ladies.” We all murmur our hellos, impatiently waiting to hear if we have any special assignments for the lunch shift. “I've already told the waitresses but, if any of our guests ask, you really love the steak today.”
“Any VIP reservations?” Luxe presses.
“Uh, yeah. One for Vegas. The guy booked three rooms at three hours each.”
My head swam, that was over five thousand dollars after the houses cut! “All for me?”
Mike shrugs his shoulders, “That's what he said.”
I could feel all the eyes in the room on me. “He knows that I don't have to do anything but dance if I don't feel like it, right?”
Mike holds up how hands, “I told him. I even told him that we don't do refunds and he said it was fine. I'll have Bruce outside the door in case he doesn't respect your choice.”
“Thank you,” I tell him, relieved. Bruce was 6’8” and built like a brick wall; men who felt like fighting quickly settled down when he approached. Nine grand was a lot of money to drop and not expect some sort of reward.
“That's it? Nothing for me?” Luxe tries, her pretty face scowling.
“Nope, that was it.” Mike says, adjusting his papers. “Okay, ladies-“
“What's the guy’s name? The one with the reservations?” She asks, her eyes narrowing at me. I narrow my eyes back at her, preparing to square up if need be – that bitch isn't going to come between me and my money!
“Luxe, you know I don't release that kind of information,” Mike sighs and starts for the door.
“Is his last name Volkov?”
Mike stops and turns to face the other woman, “You got a restraining order on the guy?” he asks, concern on his face.
“Can we talk? In private?” she asks and follows him out the door.
“Um, what was that?” Amber asks, hands on her hips. She's been trying to get Mike's attention ever since she's started here.
“Looks like Vegas bagged a rich one. Who is he?” Savannah asks, excitedly.
“I have no idea,” I shrug, “and I don't care either, but if that bitch thinks she's going to step in and take those reservations from me, I'll drag her ass out into the parking lot and make her eat the curb.”  
“I bet it's her ex,” Sherry cackles. “She was just saying how rich he was.”
“Oh shit,” Amber joins in laughing. “You really don’t know him?”
“I really don’t.” There are so many people in and out of the club – it’s possible I have met him but the name ‘Volkov’ didn’t ring any bells. Whatever was going on between him and Luxe would have to wait until after his appointment.
“Uh, Vegas?” Mike’s voice comes in and the other woman struts by, a triumphant look on her face. “Change of plans, I’m taking you off of the VIP rooms.”
“The fuck you will!” I roar, slamming a fist down on the vanity table, makeup clattering to the floor. The room is silent. I whirl around, knocking my chair over and grab the other woman by her hair, yanking down as hard as I could. Luxe stumbles backwards but catches herself and turns to face me. I let go of her hair and slap her, the noise of the contact is lost in the gasps throughout the room.
“LADIES!” Mike yells.
“Did you think I was going to let you come in and just take my money? Huh?! Think I was just going to sit back and do nothing?!”
“You don’t know anything about who you’re dealing with,” Luxe says, almost threateningly.
“Who? You? Please! What I do know is your little boyfriend doesn’t want you. He wants me. And, because you’re such a little bitch, Imma fuck him in the room – you can watch in the back. He’ll ask for me every single time.” This earns me the rise I want out of her. She reaches back to strike me but she’s slow and telegraphs her moves. I dodge back and spit in her face, making the other woman recoil and snarl in anger.
We grab each other’s hair and grapple, both of us trying our best to topple the other over. The room erupts in a chorus of laughter and squeals. “VEGAS! Please, this is for your own safety!” Mike tries again to stop our fight through words alone, but I’m not going to stop until the other woman is on the ground, motionless.
“She’s not doing it for me, dumbass! You think she’d really stick her neck out if he was dangerous?” I go to grab for her neck and she knocks my hand away – to her big earrings. I take the gold hoop into my fist and pull, the other woman screaming and being led forward to save herself from having it pulled through her lobe. “I’ll show you who you should be scared of!”
“Goddammit!” Mike swears and pushes between the two of us, using his body to break up the fight. “Stop! She says the guy’s heavy in the Russian Mob. I could only find articles from 50 years back, but it’s the same last name.”
“So?! Who you think he’s going to be mad at when she comes in instead of me? Think he’s going to pay the $9000 for the rooms? This bitch is trying to take money from both of us because she’s upset her boy don’t want to spend it on her.” I point at the other woman who doesn’t meet my eyes, rubbing on a rapidly bruising cheek.
Mike looks away, thinking it over. I use his distraction to kick at Luxe, knocking her to the floor. “Aw, hell – Vegas!” He wraps his arms around me, pinning mine to my sides so I can’t take a swing. I try to kick at the woman to get one last shot as he drags me away. “This is why I was going to give it to her, I can’t trust you not to start shit.”
“I’ll definitely start shit if you give it to her. Give it back to me, I’ll be sweet as sugar.”
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astronomyparkers · 6 years
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The Princes and The Pauper
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Warnings: Drug mention (very brief)
Pairing: Tom Holland x reader x Harrison Osterfield
Word Count: 4.7k
A/N: Here it is guys!  The au everyone has been asking for since last summer!  I roughly outlined the plot of this in a long post of text screenshots, but here is the full, finished first part!  This series will become very NSFW as time goes on, and because of that, I think I may do a bit of a different posting schedule?  The way i see it in my mind right now (which could very easily change because I am a deeply indecisive person) is that after the first few chapters, this au will mostly just become smut, without much driving plot.  I know not all of you want just smut, and would like to see some actual developing plot and characters, so what I may do is have two stories going at once, and swap on updating them?  That way, those who want smut will get smut, and those who want plot will get plot.  The only problem with this is that we all know I’m not the most reliable for updating?  So I’m not quite sure how that’ll work out. But!! That’s further down the road! For now, here is the first part! I really hope you like it, and let me know what you think!
{masterlist}
You weren’t exactly sure what the proper thing to be running through your mind as you raced down the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art should be.  It’s not like there was ever a time where you thought that the situation would come up.  And even if there was, you certainly didn’t expect to be in a long gown like some kind of modern Cinderella, chest heaving as you raced to escape the three security guards following behind you.
Maybe you should’ve been thinking about what exactly had led you to crash the gala, attended by New York’s wealthiest.  Maybe you should’ve been thinking about how you knew better than to listen to Jade’s crazy plan.  At the very least, you should’ve been thinking about your phone number, hastily scribbled on the hand of one of the very men standing on the steps above you, watching as security chased you down the famous stone steps.
Instead, as you dove head first into the waiting taxi cab, barely inside before Jade and Penelope yelled at the driver to step on it, the door not yet shut behind you, all you could think was,
Next time I have to run away from security, I should wear block heels instead of stilettos.
It had been Jade’s idea in the first place, which should have been your first clue that it was nothing but trouble.  Yes, your friend was brilliant, ambitious, and cunning, but whenever you got involved in a plan of hers, it usually ended with something unpleasant.  Like when she had convinced you and Penelope to go to a “group study session” at a frat house the night before your psychology final. Or when she had said “Really, Y/N, drinking raw egg, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce together will totally cure your hangover!” the morning of your psychology final.  You loved Jade dearly, but most of her plans brought you way out of your comfort zone.
Like this one was about to.  Even before she had explained it, you could sense that it wasn’t going to be completely enjoyable.  The mischievous shine in her eyes was never a good sign, especially when you noticed it in the middle of Central Park.
“So I know we had planned to go to the Empire State Building tonight,” Jade began, pausing to sip her ridiculously expensive coffee as she spoke. “But I have a different idea.”
“What?  But it’s supposed to be really clear tonight!  We could see so many stars and—”
“We can still see stars.” Jade interrupted your response. “Just…not the kind you’re probably imagining.”
“What do you have in mind?” Penelope asked in a curious voice.
“Well…” Jade dragged out the word, a smirk coming over her features. “When you two were standing in line for coffee, I overheard an interesting conversation about a gala being held tonight, at the MET.”
You felt your stomach drop. “Jade.  Please tell me this isn’t going where I think it’s going.”
“Aw, come on, Y/N! It would be fun!”
“How is getting arrested in New York fun?” You asked incredulously. “Look at me!  I wouldn’t survive in jail!”
Jade rolled her eyes. “Okay, first, you’d just need to find the scariest inmate and become their prison bitch.  Second—”
“That sounds terrifying!”
“We wouldn’t get caught!  And even if we did, they wouldn’t throw us in jail.  Don’t be so dramatic.”
“Jade, you’re like, the queen of dramatics.” Penelope said, amusement in her voice. “Have you met you?”
“Nevertheless,” Jade shrugged and paused her walking, leaning against a metal fence. “I still think we should try to go.  We brought formal wear, right?  We might as well use it!”
“You know this could end horribly, right?” You fiddled with the coffee cup in your hands. “Like, really horribly?”
“Look, it’ll be a fun night!  And, worst case scenario, we end up in a McDonald’s at midnight, slightly overdressed, with a really fun story to tell.”
“Jade—”
“Y/N.” She mimicked your voice as she pouted out her bottom lip and gave you puppy dog eyes. “Please?  It’ll be so much fun!  And, if it does end badly—which it won’t—I give you full permission to say ‘I told you so’ as much as you like.”
Biting your lip, you glanced between your friends. “Penelope?”
“I don’t know…” Penelope shrugged, a small grin coming over her face. “It does seem like it could be fun…”
“See?  Even Penelope wants to go!” Jade finished her drink with a satisfied smile. “That’s a majority vote.  We’re going.”
“Fine!” You exclaimed, rubbing a tired hand over your cheek. “Fine.  We’ll go.  But you’re the one who has to call my mother and tell her what happened when we need bail money.”
Jade tossed her coffee cup in the garbage and linked her arms with yours and Penelope’s as the three of you resumed walking.
“Tonight is going to be life-changing.  Just you wait.”
 The rest of the afternoon passed by in a blur of hairspray, walk-in waxing appointments, and last minute trips to the closest drug store to pick up lipstick after Penelope accidentally dropped her favourite shade of pink in the hotel toilet. Despite your reluctance at trespassing at a gala at the MET, attended by New York’s wealthiest, you had to admit: it was fun to have somewhere to go that allowed you to wear sparkly, strappy heels and a beautifully beaded crimson dress.  It was something you had purchased for a cousin’s black tie wedding the previous fall, only for the wedding to be called off.  While the wedding was cancelled before a refund on the venue was too late, the same couldn’t be said for the formal gown you were left with.  You had thought you would never have anywhere to wear it again, and you would almost be thankful for this night if it didn’t make your palms sweat with anxiety.
In the back of the taxi on the way to the MET, your friends could tell you were nervous.  You kept adjusting your choker, fiddling with your hair, and tugging at the sleeves of your dress like you usually did with sweaters in the winter.  Jade took your hand and gave you a calm smile.
“Y/N. Breathe.  Remember, nothing bad will happen.  We’ll get in, hang around for a few hours, and then get out.  It’s just a museum visit.”
“Right.  Just a museum visit.” You said, taking a deep breath as you twisted the silver ring on your finger. “Just a museum visit to one of the most famous museums in the country, filled with priceless works of art, surrounded by rich socialites and tons of security.  Just a museum visit.”
Penelope rolled her eyes as she smoothed her flowered skirt. “Just keep your mouth shut and smile, okay?  You’re a horrible liar.  Let Jade and I do the talking.”
You swallowed hard and nodded as the cab pulled up down the street from the MET.  Penelope climbed out first, grabbing your hand and tugging you out as Jade pushed you from behind.  You stumbled onto the sidewalk with less grace than you would have liked.
Jade laughed a bit and shook her head as she paid the cabbie while Penelope held your shoulders to help you balance.
“Remember. Mouth shut, Y/N.” She said, fixing a strand of your hair.
You nodded again and followed her and Jade up the famous stone steps.
There was a long line of people waiting to go in, people with old money, new money, and everything in between.  You took a deep breath and gripped your small beaded clutch tight to try and calm your shaking hands.
The line moved quickly, and the closer to the door you got, the more afraid you were.  There was a security guard there taking tickets and checking bags of the partygoers, and you just knew that you were going to get caught.
“Jade—”
“Calm down.” Jade squeezed your arm reassuringly. “There’s a huge group of socialites in front of us.  We’ll sneak in with them.”
However, it seemed the group of socialites had other plans.  When their bags were searched by the guard, you could see he had found something unsatisfactory.
“Mr. Prescott, you know substances like this aren’t allowed in—”
“Aw, come on.” The young man he addressed flashed an artificially whitened smile and pulled out his wallet. “What will it take to make it allowed, sir?  My father would be happy to make a donation to any…cause of your choosing.”
You looked at Penelope and Jade with wide eyes, trying to signal that it was time to go.  Your friends, on the other hand, seemed to pick up a different sign.
With their heads held high, they subtly grabbed both of your arms and marched you behind the security guard, who had become distracted by the bribe he was receiving. Before you knew it, you were inside the MET.
You kept walking as fast as you could without seeming suspicious, the click of your high heels abnormally loud in the vast hall.  The three of you didn’t stop walking until you were camouflaged among the crowds of society’s finest, hidden in plain sight.
“Oh my God.” A smile spread over Jade’s face. “We actually did it.”
“Why do you look so shocked?  Didn’t you believe we could?” You asked as you eyed the crowd around you.
“Yeah, of course! Like, I believed we had a solid eighty-three percent chance to—”
“Eighty-three?” You raised your eyebrows incredulously. “You banked our freedom on eighty-three percent?”
“Hey, that’s an A- grade.” Penelope laughed as she grabbed three flutes of champagne from a passing waiter. “Thank you.”
You accepted the glass from your friend, sipping it to try to calm your nerves.  You had never been one for champagne, but seeing as how one glass of the liquid being served probably cost more than your university tuition, you thought it couldn’t hurt to enjoy.
“So, Jade…” You rubbed the corner of your mouth to make sure no lipstick smeared. “What now?”
“Now?” Jade glanced around the room. “We walk around.  Make some small talk.  Enjoy the art.  Let’s say we meet back here in around two hours?”
Your brow furrowed. “Actually, I think sticking together would be—”
“Come on, Y/N, live a little.” Penelope rolled her eyes and delicately lifted her skirt. “I’m going to head to the west wing.  Jade, you were saying you wanted to go to—”
“The east wing. For the Renaissance exhibit.”
You exhaled heavily. “Okay.  Fine. I’ll look around here a bit.  But in two hours, we meet back here.  And don’t be late!”
Jade grinned. “Oh, never.  Cross my heart.”
“Hope to die.” Penelope’s smile matched Jade’s as the two of them said their goodbyes and went off in different directions, disappearing into the crowd.
“Alright then.” You muttered to yourself, sipping your champagne liberally. “Guess it’s just me.”
 You wandered among the people, keeping to yourself as you looked at the exhibits.  As nervous as you were, you soon became entranced by the art around you.  Paintings you had only read about in books were displayed on the walls, and statues you had seen in countless films were close enough to touch.  Of course, no matter how much the marble beckoned you, you didn’t dare reach out a hand.  The last thing you needed was a reprimand from security, especially since you weren’t rich enough to pay them off.
Of course, being alone didn’t help you blend in.  Nearly everyone else attending was in a group of four or more, whispering among themselves as they milled about the museum halls.  Only one group of two stood out from the crowd as they conferred quietly in the corner, drinking champagne and glancing at the crowd with bored eyes.
They were two young men who looked close to your age, but that was where the similarities between you three stopped.  It was obvious from the way they carried themselves to the quality of their suits that was noticeable from across the room that they had been born into this life of privilege.  There was an air around them that even the other socialites in the room seemed drawn to; you could see multiple people making eyes at them.  And you had to admit, you could see why.  Maybe it was the champagne you had drank, or the aura of wealth in the room, but they had to be two of the most attractive men you had ever seen in your life.
As soon as the thought crossed your mind, the one with longer hair looked directly at you, making eye contact that froze you in your spot.  Knowing you had been caught staring, you felt heat rush to your cheeks. It seemed the man could feel it as well; a smirk began playing on his lips as he winked at you.
Flushing more, you quickly turned away and tried to busy yourself with staring at the art. Your hands nervously clutched at your empty champagne glass as you focused on admiring the marble statue that was in front of you.  You did your best to block out everyone else in the room as you took deep breaths to calm yourself, but heat continued to crawl up your neck.  Your heart was pounding so loud that you could hear it in your ears.  And it was pounding loud enough to drown out the footsteps approaching you, so the smooth, accented voice took you by surprise when it appeared in your ear.
“It’s called Venus Italica, by Antonio Canova.” The man said, his breath hot on your neck.
You cleared your throat and tried to steady your voice. “E-excuse me?”
“The statue.  Venus Italica.” The man moved to stand more directly beside you, and you turned more towards him without thinking about it.
Now that he was closer, you could really take him in.  His hair seemed to have a soft curl to it, but it was styled slightly up and back, so you couldn’t be sure.  His skin looked porcelain smooth, his teeth blindingly white, his lips a flushed red. His eyes were brown, and when you met them it was hard to look away; they were like a hearth, warm and inviting.
Your own eyes blinked as you tried to focus your words. “I—yeah.  Yeah, it’s beautiful.”
The man nodded. “Is this your first time seeing it in person?”
You nodded, turning your gaze back to the statue.
“It was commissioned by King Ludovico in 1804, after the French had taken a statue of Venus from Florence to the Musée Napoleon.” His voice was soft as he spoke in a British lilt. “It was completed in the 1820s.”
You nodded again, unsure of what else to say. “That’s…interesting.”
The man mimicked your head movement, his gaze focusing back on you. “I haven’t seen you at one of these before.  I’m Tom Holland.”
The way he said his name made it seem like he expected you to recognize it.
“Right, right.” You faked a smile and clutched your empty glass tighter.
“…From Holland Enterprises.  My father Dominic owns the company?” Tom continued, confusion tinting his eyes. “And you are?”
“Oh, um…Y/N. Y/L/N.” You said cautiously. “Nice to…meet you.”
Tom’s eyes drifted to your hands and the glass flute. “Oh, you’re empty!  Allow me to refill you, I’ll just—”
“I’ve got it.” Another accented voice appeared from behind you, and when you turned around, you were greeted with the sight of the other man who had been standing next to Tom. In his hands he clutched two full champagne glasses, one of which he extended to you. “Here you are, love. Let me take that.”
You accepted the new champagne flute as the new man swiftly took the empty glass from you and placed it on the tray of a passing waiter.
“Um, thank you.”
“Not a problem.” He smiled at you, blue eyes shining with mirth. “Harrison Osterfield, of Osterfield Inc.”
“Which your dad owns, right?” You guessed, running a finger around the rim of your glass.
Harrison nodded as he sipped his champagne. “And your name, love?”
“Y/N Y/L/N.” Tom answered for you, stepping around so he could stand next to Harrison in your line of vision.
Harrison repeated your last name to himself. “Huh.  I’ve never heard that name before.  What does your family do?”
“Well, my dad works in…real estate.” You answered slowly. “And my mom is, um, a lawyer.”
What you said wasn’t a lie.  In fact, it was the truth.  Your dad was a real estate agent, and your mother was a lawyer.  Of course, your father wasn’t making multimillion dollar deals for houses, and your mother worked at a small legal firm and did a lot of pro bono work.  Neither one of those jobs made enough money to even be in the same category as Tom and Harrison.  But you didn’t feel the need to correct the assumptions they were clearly making as they eyed you up and down.
“You’re new money, then?” Harrison asked, slipping his hand into his suit pocket.  The gesture made the perfectly tailored sleeve bunch up slightly, and you could see the platinum Rolex adorning his wrist.
You blinked quickly. “Uh—”
“And here by yourself?” Tom questioned, stepping the slightest bit closer to you. “Or are your parents with you?  I’d love to meet them, maybe introduce myself?”
“I would, as well.” Harrison echoed the sentiment. “My father works with a lot of real estate companies; I’m sure he’d be interested in meeting with your father.  And we could see a bit more of each other if—”
“They’re not here.” You said quickly as your palms started to sweat again. “They had, um, an emergency with our…summer house.  A pipe burst, and they had to…go take care of it.”
Okay, now you were lying.  Plainly, blatantly lying.  And you were certain you weren’t doing it well.  Nevertheless, Harrison and Tom seemed to believe it.  Perhaps it was because you looked the part, or because they didn’t think anyone with your social status would be able to make it into the gala, or because they just wanted what you were saying to be true. Either way, each boy continued to show interest in your conversation.
Tom and Harrison each placed a hand on the small of your back and began leading you through the exhibit, pointing out different statues and works of art and giving you a brief history.
“How do you know so much about all of this?” You asked as you sipped your champagne.
“Art History at the Mountbatten Academy for Boys.” Tom said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “That’s where Harrison and I met.  We were roommates from Year Nine to Year Thirteen.”
“The Mountbatten—what?”
“It’s a private school in England.” Harrison explained, his thumb just barely rubbing your back. “The finest in the country.”
“And so it should be, considering what our fathers paid for it.” Tom laughed a bit, finishing of his champagne and grabbing a fresh glass before he had finished swallowing.
“Where did you go to school?” Harrison asked curiously. “Did you stay in the country? Or go abroad?”
“I—in the country.” You finished your champagne as well, quickly grabbing a new glass. “An, um, all-girls school in…New Hampshire.”
Harrison frowned. “I didn’t know there was an all-girls school in—”
“So what brings you two to New York?  If you’re from England?” You asked quickly, eager to change the subject.
“New York brought us to New York.” Tom smiled easily, half charming and half cocky. “Why wouldn’t we want to come here?  We have a penthouse here for a reason.”
“You’ll have to see it sometime.” Harrison nodded in affirmation of Tom’s statement. “We have houses in London, Milan, Greece…but our New York penthouse is my favourite.”
“And, tragically, the one we spend the least amount of time in.” Tom sighed, shrugging his shoulders. “But, c’est la vie.  Whenever business brings us to New York, it’s never for more than a few days.”
“Tragic.” You echoed quietly, fixing your gaze on a Monet painting as you passed by.
It occurred to you that Tom and Harrison were the very definition of arrogant.  Whenever they finished a glass of champagne, they snapped their fingers and a new one appeared.  They walked through the crowds like the expected them to part because they wanted them to.  And they did. Their suits were designer, their shoes were designer, and you suspected their entire lives were just that. Designer.
They talked about how they went to Cambridge University and how they both worked for their fathers now.  But, from the stories they told you about the work they did, it was clear that not much actual work was done.  Harrison and Tom’s fathers were business partners, but it seemed what Harrison and Tom mostly did was—
“Networking.” Tom said in response to your question about their work.
“Which is a fancy word for partying.” Harrison grabbed two new glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and tossed a fifty dollar bill on his tray. “Cheers, mate.”
“So what does networking entail?” You asked as Harrison passed you your fourth drink of the night.
“Well,” Tom ran a hand through his slicked back hair. “All sorts of things.  Attending galas, luncheons, parties, and connecting with current clients and future clients.  The social side of business.”
“It’s all politics.” Harrison rolled his eyes before pulling you in close. “Tell me, love. Look around the room.  What do you see?”
You did as he said. “I see…priceless works of art?”
“Exactly.  And is anyone here actually looking at the art?”
“Well…no.” You frowned as you glanced at the crowd. “They’re not.  They’re all talking.”
Harrison nodded in satisfaction. “They’re all playing the game.  A well run business needs all its different parts to run smoothly. Having a working business model is only part of it; you need connections to make it into an empire.  A game always needs players, you see.  And players always need allies.”
Those words got to you.  Even if Tom and Harrison were the very definition of arrogant, they weren’t dumb. It was clear that they were very, very smart.  And very, very attractive.  And smelled very, very good.  And their hands felt very, very nice on your back.
And it seemed that you were very, very tipsy.
“Is that why you started talking to me?” You asked curiously, swirling the golden liquid in your glass as you avoided the two pairs of eyes staring at you. “Networking?”
“Partially.” Tom shrugged. “But the low cut neckline on your dress didn’t hurt either.”
You felt heat flash up your neck and into your cheeks again, and you cleared your throat.
“Tell—tell me about this statue.  Here. It’s Degas, isn’t it?”
Harrison smirked at your subject change, but answered you accordingly. “Yes.  La petite danseuse de quatorze ans.  Edgar Degas. Sculpted in…1920?”
“1922.” Tom corrected, stepping closer to the statue. “It was the only sculpture Degas ever titled and exhibited.”
You nodded, fighting the urge to reach out and touch the bronze girl’s tutu. “It’s beautiful. I love—”
The beeping of your phone in your clutch interrupted your sentence.  You frowned and opened your small bag, pulling out your phone to a text from Jade.
At first, you were confused.  It wasn’t time for the three of you to meet up again; what did she need?  But when you read the text, you instantly sobered up.
“Security is here looking for party crashers and we need to go!!  Meet us outside!!”
“What’s wrong?” Tom’s voice sounded concerned as he rubbed the small of your back. “Is everything okay?”
“I—no.” You said shortly, shoving your phone back in your clutch. “No, I-I have to go.  Right now.”
“What?” Harrison asked in a bemused voice, brow furrowed. “Why on earth do you have to go? It’s not even midnight yet!”
“Yeah, well,” You shot gunned the last bit of champagne in your glass and handed the empty flute to Harrison. “It’s time for my carriage to turn back into a pumpkin. Or time for my taxi to turn back into a pumpkin…I’m kind of unclear on that analogy, to be honest.  I’m not quite sober.  But I think the pumpkin thing is the important reference here.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Listen, it’s a long story, and—” Over Harrison’s shoulder, you could see two large men in suits and earpieces enter the room. “And I really, really, don’t have time to tell it.”
“Y/N.” Tom grasped your wrist, not tight enough to hurt, but not loose enough to allow you to slip away. “What is going on?”
“Okay, the short version is, basically,” You pushed your hair out of your face. “I kind of have to go before I get arrested for trespassing?  But I, surprisingly, had a really good time with you two!”
“Surprisingly?”
“Trespassing?”
“Tom, could I borrow a pen?” You asked, holding out the hand that wasn’t caught in his grasp.
Tom complied wordlessly, reaching into his suit jacket and passing you what looked like the most expensive pen you’ve ever seen in your life.
“Seriously?  You can’t just go to Staples to buy pens like everyone else?” You examined the pen closer. “Is this monogrammed?”
“Why are you mocking my pen?”
You grabbed Tom’s arm in way of response and quickly scribbled your number on his hand before handing the pen back. “I really do have to go, but, um, call me if you two ever feel like slumming it.”
“Slumming it?” Harrison frowned as Tom examined the ink on his skin. “Seriously, Y/N, what’s going on?”
“I—” Your sentence was interrupted as you saw the two security guards spot you.  They began to make their way to you, the bouncer from earlier not far behind them. “Got to go!”
Before Harrison or Tom could stop you, you hiked your dress up to your thighs and started running towards the door on the other side of the room.
“Hey!  MET Security!  Stop!”
You could hear the heavy footsteps of the three security guards following behind you, and you ran faster, your heart pounding in time with the clicking of your heels on the floor.
Stiletto heels had really been a bad choice.
Chest heaving, you bounded down the hallways of the MET, through the front atrium, and down the concrete steps.  You felt the cool New York air on your legs and thighs, and the thought of random passersby seeing a lot more than you had planned occurred to you, but you couldn’t afford to pause to think about it.  The guards’ steps were getting closer, you were growing tired, and you could see a taxi waiting below.
“Y/N!  Hurry!” Penelope and Jade were hanging out of the open door, reaching out their hands as if they could pull you closer as you bounded down the steps.
With the shouts of security in your ears, you barely made it to the taxi.  You stumbled inside, half falling and half being pulled by Penelope before you slammed the door behind you, locking it for good measure.
“She’s in!  Step on it!” Jade yelled at the taxi driver, who peeled away from the curb so fast you could smell burning rubber.
You fought to catch your breath as Penelope and Jade began to giggle, and, in spite of yourself you did too.
“Jade,” You gasped, pressing a hand to the stitch in your side. “I told you so.”
“Hey, we made it out!” She laughed, running a hand through her hair. “Look!  Security isn’t even following us!”
The three of you turned around to stare out the back window.  The three security guards were standing be the curb, watching as you drove away.  And standing at the top of the steps above were Harrison and Tom, staring after the cab with confusion and bewilderment.
“Who are Prince Charming One and Two?” Penelope asked you with curiosity.
You turned back around and pressed a hand to your forehead. “It’s a long story.”
{part ii}
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altheathewriter · 5 years
Text
I want to say that 2018 sucked but, to be honest, in the history of the past 25 years, it...is kind of a normal type of suck, you know? Like I could handle it? And it really wasn’t -too- bad?
Let me put it this way.
I was raised in an emotionally and psychologically abusive household (the kind where you are raised to believe you are worthless to the point that it becomes part of your identity, and you believe abusive behaviors are normal or even kind behaviors), and I was bullied by students and teachers alike in school. I went to a school that was SO BAD, that when Orange is the New Black came out and people were like OMG that place is prison, its so scary, omgggg...I was like...that was my high school, what are you talking about? When people post videos of girls getting their faces bashed into sinks in school bathrooms and people freak out over the nature of kids these days, I go...its been that way forever? Is that not normal? Did I miss something?
I then went to college and took a major that I felt I had to in order to prove to my parents that I was not a freak. I then went into fashion where I had it good for about 10 years, but it was just more psychological and emotional abuse, tbh. I slowly got to know what it was. Like, you know its scary when someone thinks this is NORMAL. Imagine when that person realizes its NOT, and their life is Fucked Up(TM).
Then I decided to change careers and go back to school in about 2015, and this required me selling everything I owned and moving back in with my parents. When I say I sold everything, I mean down to like...giving away one of my cats. I owned my clothes, my other cat, and my car (which got totaled that year anyway so yeah). I took a $60K pay cut just to leave that life behind. But it was still my parents. I knew their game now, though. And I knew what to do and what not to do. For three years I was exactly what they wanted, and tbh, going back to school helped me cope with it because it gave me something to do and helped keep me focused on me. But that was before 2018.
My parents moved into an old folk’s community, and I didn’t want to go, so I used the savings I had scrimped for those years I lived with them and got an apartment. Money is kind of tight. I can afford it, but its just standard “I’m an adult” budgeting I have to do. No partying or anything. But anyway, I got into a great school. A fucking fantastic school. I have a 4.0 since returning to school. I was like...second place for a full ride scholarship that thousands of people compete for. Professors asked me to guest speak in their classes, and they use my papers for examples of what to do. The new school told me, that’s great, just go take this math class that has nothing to do with your major, but you need to take it to get into this program, pay us a couple hundred dollars, pass with a C, and you’re good to go.
This class was for engineering and math majors. I was the only psychology major there. The teacher was HORRIBLE. I taught myself this math and got a B. I am used to putting out A effort and getting As because I am a 100% student. But whatever. I called the school and they said that it doesn’t even get counted on my GPA. I just needed it for qualification or whatever. I get into the program. Its great. I made my dreams come true through hard work and perseverance and I did it myself, all by myself, FOR ME. And no one else.
And then I show up during orientation and it turns out that this school lied to me during the admissions process. They do not have classes available nights and weekends, like they said they did. And not just one person told me this. I asked no less than 6 people, and a whole department confirmed it. They told me, “It is not our fault that you feel you weren’t given enough information to make this decision. Your fees are non-refundable. Bye!”
Now I was SOL, because all the other colleges that had accepted me (I had applied to 6 like universities, and only one did not accept me) had passed their deadlines for me to accept admission.
I wanted to pretend that this didn’t suck for me. But it really did depress me because I was reminded that, once again, no matter how hard I worked or tried to make my life better, someone could easily squash it and not care. And the Logical Me knows that this is not a problem. I called a few schools that very day and then had some top online schools fighting for me. I got into all of them, and received a scholarship. The school I will be going to is a Christian school, but it is respected in my chosen major. I am -pleased- with how it turned out alright in the end. It is -acceptable-. 
But Emotional Me, Wounded Child Me, the one who never received closure from abuse and bullying, just took another hit. And thats really all that happens. I get my hopes up and its dashed, and psychologically, this is the reaction. It is depression. I went to a therapist, they told me I was fine and to call them when I actually had a problem (really). Went to go see a psychiatrist because obviously talking to someone didn’t help and fuck that, I need meds, but it took forever to get an appointment, and when I did, I got a flat tire on the way there, and they never called me back to reschedule, so I am waiting on another appointment.
New friends I had made got me lost on a fucking mountain during a hike, and during that time one of them said some really disparaging remarks, so I haven’t hung out with them since then.
But like, I know all this sounds bad. And it is. I am not dismissing myself. But in the light of everything in my life, it has been managed. I handled it. I no longer have ‘its the end of the world’ panic attacks (I had only one this year, and that one was on the mountain...they used to be monthly). And a lot of good shit happened to. Like...I taught myself an advanced math class. I got myself a B. I graduated junior college with a 3.8 cumulative GPA. I moved out, and got my own apartment, and its fucking PURPLE on the inside because thats my favorite color. I regained some relationships, and got rid of ones that I didn’t need. I am stronger with my boundaries. I found out that some kids look up to me and if that doesn’t fucking blow your mind when you find that out, then...I dunno. I still can’t believe it. I won fucking NaNoWriMo, the first time I wrote original fic since like...2005. I handle my shit. And every year, Handling My Shit gets easier to do. I think of things I do now that would have freaked Past Me out a lot. I still have issues in grocery stores and I don’t know why (crowds? i dunno). And work still gives me anxiety. But I can give as good as given when it comes to my parents (I don’t abuse back...but I do shut things down and respect my boundaries when around them). 
I know 2019 is another year that will be part of this story. School is not done yet (I should be done, but you can thank incompetent counselors at my previous school for giving me wrong advice for a year, and then the new college debacle), so there’s that. And I want to write more. I like what I write now. Man, my parents used to give me so much shit about my writing. They used to tell me I was hiding from them (probably was) and I was weird. I still hate being called weird. But I like writing. And even though I don’t get a lot of comments on it, I like doing it for me. Even Tumblr’s tiddypocalypse couldn’t stop it. Anyway. I’m ringing in the new year with some contemplation, frozen pizza, and some wine. 
And writing.
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olusegundare · 5 years
Text
Lovers Story: Brother Samson and Sister Debbie 5
Lovers Story: Brother Samson and Sister Debbie 5
Lizzy went and priced the cloths and on getting to her brother’s shop she told him what the cost of the cloths were, and her brother gave her the money for the cloths. The need of the family makes brother Samson to take the second loan.
Consideration
The singles; spinsters and bachelors living in the building are most of the times ecstatic as shown by the noise they make, increasing the volume of their DVD players not minding if co-tenants neither like what they are playing nor noise. They bring different kinds of visitors into the house daily, they live their lives as if they are in the dormitories on the campus.
The married ones seem not to be moved by their actions, “they are youths, this is the time they can do such” Mr. Mosunmoba said, while Agba adds that, “I was even louder than they are when I was at their age, let them enjoy themselves, it is for a period”.
Mrs. Agba replied her husband that she does not like noise at all, it is my daily prayers that we move out of this building”. After saying this she left her hubby and Mr. Mosunmoba where they are to go to the central kitchen at the backyard.
The attitudes of those singles do piss off brother Samson and few weeks after moving into the building he considered leaving the building because he is the type that do not like the kind of noise they are making in the house. Except when there is no electricity or maybe when they are not in the house that is when there won’t be noise in the building.
Whenever he returns from work and hears that their stereo player’s volume is high, he will appeal to them to please reduce the volume which they often do.
“How long will I continue to go to them that they should please reduce the volume of their DVD player?” he asked himself one day and another thought cropped up in his heart that he should leave the building. “How would I know the building where the inhabitants’ noise would be minimal?” He again asked himself after thinking about this. No agent neither any landlord will tell you negative things about the house that one wants to rent, all they will show you are the good things that the building has. The good things possessed by the building cannot and would not make the inhabitants of the building sensible.
If they are neither making noise nor playing music to disturb others in the building that I moved to assuming I moved out of this building what of if they are into another thing? What of if they are not loving there? And they fight everyday there? The place will look like hell, it will look like island’s cemetery ground.
A place where there is repeated fight, law enforcement agencies will be visiting the building regularly and at times the entire tenant would be arrested and invited for questioning. If that happens it is sure that one would part with some amount when leaving the place. I can’t be living in a building where they are fighting without wanting to meddle into the rift and that may lead me to another thing. I may become injured while doing that.
I remembered that when I was in secondary school something like that happened when I was trying to separate two girls who were fighting, as I pulled a lady away, the other furious lady stood up, thinking she was holding the cloth of the lady she was fighting with but unknown to her that it was my cloth that she was holding, she pulled my shirt with all her strength and tore it. If not that, that day was sports’ day and I have in my bag my sporting cloth, I would have walked home half naked.
My class mates exclaimed, while some what could come out of their moth was “Ha! Ha!! Ha!!!
The lady who tore my cloth started begging me, but the deed has been done.
Other friends and onlookers started saying sorry, a boy Klenly, said, it is a person who settles fight that gets wounded”.
After he said this, I remember the adage and said to myself that this is very true. I left the scene, and walked to where my bag was, and took off the tore cloth and put on my sport wear. This is allowed on the sports’ day in our school and when other teachers entered to teach, they did not raise eye brow to the dress I was putting on. I suffered loss of cloth that day.
When I got home from the school that day and I told my parents what happened all that my father said was, “be careful next time” and he left me with my mum. My mother said that you have shown that you are God’s child because the bible says, “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”. After saying this she continued thanks to God that you are not physically harmed.
“Uhm, though I was physically not injured, really, but my cloth has been torn. Assuming I do not have another uniform at home won’t I miss school sessions till I get new cloth sown for me? I would have been affected educationally.” I echoed dryly to my mum.
Mrs. Laka, Samson’s mother is a woman of bible, hardly could she utter a word without salting it with the scriptures, how she knows appropriate words for each occasion still baffles his children, yet she was neither pastor’s daughter nor wife, in fact she was not even born into a Christian home and she does not hold a position in their church unlike her husband who has been appointed an elder in the church. She says she is okay with that because the office of the woman is bringing up her children in the ways of the Lord, giving her husband peace of mind in all ramifications. If this could be achieved by a woman, the woman is fulfilled. If all women of substance could achieve this, the world would be a wonderful place to live in she would say.
She is though found to always be with her bible, any of her free periods that she is found not to be sleeping, her bible will be found on her laps reading it or some Christian literature written in the Polyglot Island’s language. She is not very good in English language, but she is good in reading things written in her language.
Mrs. Laka says, “Son, I understand what you said, but the bible says, in everything we should give thanks.”
“I give thanks to God on this but not with a fill heart because of the proverb my friend uttered when my cloth was torn, and I thought the proverb is true”
“What proverb”, his mother inquired
“He said, “it is a person who settles fight that gets wounded”, he replied her mother
“Well that is our fore-fathers’ observations which is also true to some degrees, but that does not erase the word of God that those who settles fights shall be called sons of God, because it is only God who settles fight, devil cannot and will never”.
“Uhm mm”
“You should also know that you would have created some things in the hearts of your mates in the school with what you have done earlier in the day. What you created will surely be positive in their hearts. This may not be revealed now or many years to come but the truth is you have made a positive impact by that.” She said as she asked Samson to get for her a cruet of salt. After given her the cruet and adding salt to the soup she was preparing, stirring it, taken off the spoon from the boiling soup on fire, she puts droplets of the soup in her left palm, taken the palm to her protruded tongue to lick it. After doing this she nodded her head in satisfaction that the quantity of the salt added to the soup is okay. After doing this she continued to talk with Samson, “now this is the reason why you need to be thankful unto God in full. As your friend said, “it is a person who settles fight that gets wounded”, you have to thank God that you were not wounded by any of them. For assuming you were, you will be taken to the school clinic and God forbids it, if the injury is severe you will be referred to hospital where you may spend days and afterwards discharged. But after being discharged it is most likely that you will still be nursing the wound, this may take months if not years depending on the severity. In addition to this your cloth will most likely be damaged and another one will need to be sown for you. You will still miss classes if injured and may in fact not finish the term with your mates. In addition to these, we; your siblings, father and me will be involved physically, financially and psychologically because after you have been taken to the hospital, your teachers will not be the ones who will pay for the hospital bills, they will not be the ones who will be staying with you in the hospital and after a day or two at most it is sure that they will think less of you, but your siblings, father and me will continue to think about you, everything we shall be doing will be revolving around you during those periods. But now that God has not allow that to happen, other than your cloth getting torn, don’t you think we should be grateful to God?” she conclusively said.
Samson who has been following the line of her mother’s reasoning could not but agree with her mother and he said “oh, yes, I should be grateful to him in full”.
“Even assuming you do not have another uniform at home, we still need to be grateful unto him that you have not been wounded”, she echoed silently to him as she starts to serve the food.
Brother Samson vividly brought this incident back to his memory and said living with noisy but accommodating people who could be checked is still better off than getting another room where in a building where it will be fighting everyday. Apart from this, he thinks about his business that his business needs to grow. For the business to grow more capital needs to be injected into the business and this wouldn’t happen if he continues to change rooms because money paid would not be refunded once if refunded at all by the agents and the landlords. To get new room it means he will need to dip his hand into the money he has planned will see him through till he started making gains from the goods he is selling which he does not want to do.
Since he is not ready to dip his hand into his savings again and neither is he ready to get a self-contain room where he will not share toilet, bathroom and kitchen with anyone, it is better he keeps enduring so that his business will grow and if God blesses the business as he has been praying, he may even not need to get another apartment but will actually move to his own building. Nothing is impossible with God, he reasoned. With this he dropped the idea of relocating from the building to another one.
Uncommon Favor Auditing Conglomerate (UFAC)
The recently opened permanent site of Uncommon Favor Auditing Conglomerate’s outside premises was shown. The landscape designer of the outside premises did a very good job. The artisans and other workers that executed the design were nothing but professionals because I doubt if there is any design like this in Polyglot Island. The horticulturists and other workers beautify the outside premises of the Auditing Conglomerate that’s sited on five plots of land along the Famous Street in the Island.
The acronyms of the conglomerate were written with flowers on the outside of the fenced premises. Soil on which the flowers were planted was made to make about 30 degrees to the horizontal, while the flowers are planted up the soil to show the acronyms UFAC on both sides of the gates outside. The gate is partitioned into two by a raised pavement from the asphalt layers through which vehicles can enter or leave the building complex of the firm.
Within this pavement are well trimmed flowers planted with three street lights powered by solar that joined the Famous Street. In between the flowers is a signpost erected with welcoming words to anyone entering the firm’s premises while on the opposite side of the signpost is words of appreciation to those leaving the premises for patronizing the Auditing conglomerate.
The gate and fence are about 300 meters off the Famous Street which makes the layout to be distinct and beautiful. The height of the fence surrounding the building is about two hundred meters on the surface level. Metal poles about 50 meters apart from one another which hold bulbs that will give light to the compound at night powered by solar are all around the premises. These metal poles are erected close to the fence. Security cameras are on each of these metal poles.
Inside the fence, the works of the landscape architect can also be seen. The flowers, well layout trees, the road connections make the interior of the fence of the Uncommon Favor Auditing Conglomerate adorable such that people wonder when they entered the premises.
The building is a two storey building with different offices and different departments. On the first floor and the entrance into the main building is a receptionist and securities. One security is at the door that leads to the receptionist lobby from the outside while another security is at the other door that leads to the building where offices are.
The receptionist lobby is with full air condition with fiber-optic security cameras strategically placed. There are chairs and sofa for those who are not authorized t enter into the main building premises to sit on while televisions are placed at vantage positions for the people to be watching pending the time that the person they have come to see comes out of his or her office to attend to them.
The staff canteen, also fully air-conditioned is located to the south side of the receptionist lobby outside the main building premises.
The building of Uncommon Favor Auditing Conglomerate is a well planned one and has the touch of experts on its construction. Hardly could anyone believe that such building exists in the Polyglot Island where things hardly work.
Sister Debbie
A lady in her mid twenties of about 169 centimeters in height, slender with a round face, straight legs, small breasts with well plaited hair, who has folded her pink colored scarf into a single strand which she tied round her head leaving her long plaited hair to be seen touching her back is seen alighting from a taxi at the main road, Famous Street.
She is bidding someone in a taxi she has alighted from bye by waving at the car as the taxi zooms off.
This lady puts on pink shirt which is covered by blue jacket and blue skirt that is about 3 centimeters below her knees. She is wearing black shoe and pink ribbon is placed on her left breast jacket. One her left shoulder is pink hand bag with metallic handle hanged.
She stopped waving to the person in the taxi when the taxi could no longer be seen and she turned to face the direction of Uncommon Favor Auditing Complex started walking briskly towards the gate of the complex on the pedestrian path.
One of the securities on motor bike riding out of the premises of the firm bent his body on the bike as he greets this lady walking into the complex while she also waived back at him. Few seconds afterwards she was at the main gate to the complex. One of the securities at the gate opened the gate for her to enter. She waited a while at the gate as she exchange greetings with the security personnel males and females manning the gate.
She moved back to the pedestrian side, and then she started opening her bag. After opening the bag she took out of it an Android phone, she threw her head back for the coiffure to fall back to her back, as she used her left thumb to slide the surface of the phone sideways and then puts the phone to her right ear, “hello”, she said as she momentarily stopped walking.
“Oh Thanks to God. I have been trying t reach you and your sister for a while…”
“It must have been network brouhaha, you know networks are bad along the road until one gets to my place of work”, she replied interrupting the caller.
“I know sweetie. So, are you in the office now?” the old woman’s voice on the other side of the line asked.
“No, I am yet to be in my office. I have just entered into the gate of the complex, I am few minutes away from my office”, she replied the old woman on the other end of the line.
“That means Linda has gone to her school”, the old woman on the other end said
“Yes ma. If she has not gotten there by now, she will be few minutes away from the gate of her institution. Is anything the problem?” she asked the old woman
“Oh, no, not really. It is just that I saw one of her notes on the center table. She must have forgotten it when you were asking her to hurry up”, the old woman said.
“Oh gosh! That’s bad. Sorry to hear that but she is now a big girl, she will sort herself out when she finds out in school”, the lady replied the old woman, waving with her left hand to a lady that walks past her as she starts to walk towards the reception lobby of the building
“She better do”, the old woman’s voice replied.
“But, assuming we are yet together do you think she will turn back to get the notebook?” the lady asked the old woman
“Yes, I think so. That is why I have been trying to call before you get out of reach, but it was quite unfortunate that I couldn’t reach any of you on time”, the old voice replied the young lady.
“Mama, stop worrying yourself on the notebook she forgot. I am telling you Linda is now a big girl, she will sort herself out, I am sure of it”, The young woman replied the old woman on the other side of the phone
“Okay. Okay. It’s you that said so”, the old woman said.
“Yes oh mama. I am the one who said it because I know my sister”, she replied the old voice.
“Oh, darling, lest I forget before ending the call, please do not forget to buy those fruits and juice for me after the day’s work and you are on your way home.” The old woman said at the other end.
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“Thanks mama for putting me in remembrance because I have forgotten. What’s in my mind now is our prayer meeting…”
“What about it?” The old woman interrupting asked her daughter
“Nothing mama, it’s just that when Linda and I were in the taxi and we were discussing we remembered that today is our prayer meeting day, “Open Zion”, and both of us have been thinking of how to meet there…”
“Oh, that is true. I have also forgotten. That means both of you will come home but late today” old woman replied her daughter
“Oh yes mama. In anyway, as you have put me in remembrance now, I will see to it. I will put it n my list of activities in the evening so as not to forget”, she replied her mum.
“That is good of you honey”, the old woman said
“And mama, please don’t stress yourself today oh”
“I won’t darling”
“Promise me?” she replied her mum
“I promise”, her mother replied her.
“I have to go mama, I am about to enter the reception lobby now.”
“Okay”
“Love you mum”
“I love you daughter”, her mother replied as her phone discussion ends.
As she approaches the receptionist area, the security man opened the door for her to enter, after greeting the man she saw the cleaner cleaning the floor and the woman said, “good morning madam”
“Good morning ma”, the young lady stopped, turned to the woman who is about the age of her mother and said, “mama, but how many times have I told you not to use “madam” for me again?”
“Sorry ma”, the cleaner responded, continuing, “before I get employed here, where I used to work before, that was how I used to address everyone, even those younger than you are there but who are my boss in the office, that is how I used to greet them and if I do not greet them like that, hell will be let loose that day. Having known that, that is what they cherished, I have been trying to give it to them. ever since I have been doing that I have known peace and my salaries are not affected unlike when I used to look at them as my children’s age mates that I won’t add “madam” to my words of greetings to them”
“Was that so?” The young lady asked looking bewildered, “Do people still attach such importance to something like that?” she asked
“Oh yes madam, people still do oh. It is you who do not see anything in it…”
“That is funny”, she said coldly
“Since I have been greeting them like that it has become part of me that is why I have found it difficult to change over the years. It is even reflecting in the way I address my children at home. My first child has to call me to order not once or twice”, the cleaner said unto the young woman
“Old habits die hard the people say”, the young woman replied
“That is it oh madam. I cannot change suddenly, “ the cleaner said to her
“In as much as I try to understand you, I want to say, in case you have forgotten my name, my name is Deborah and people call me Debbie, please ma, for God’s sake just address me as sister Debbie…”
“Heh?”, interrupting Sister Debbie’s words looking surprised
0 notes
jkid4 · 7 years
Text
An update on my fundraiser and my life.
I’m sorry that this update took so long. I’ve been fatigued from financially supporting my parents that all I have the energy for is going to and from work and going straight to sleep after eating dinner. At this point I have a condition called brain fog but it’s not official because I have not been to the doctors for a check up for a long time.
For various reasons, the fundraiser (https://www.youcaring.com/jkid-801302) has stalled due to a lack of interest, ignorance, and sometimes outright hostility when I tell people my situation. Rest assured that all the money from the fundraiser so far is in my savings account. I tweeted to 10 to 15 people on twitter telling them my story, and no one replied back.Most if not all of them are people who supported the bernie campaign or actual progressive supporters. Some of them were black music celebs.
The entire experience in raising funds was a true eye opening experience and it’s clear that we don’t care about struggling millennials or the struggling poor. l What I noticed is that if you asked for money you will be questioned for it constantly if they do not run away, give unsolicited appeals to god, or say endless amounts of platitudes to make you go away or eventually disappear as soon as you talk to them about your fundraiser.
It’s bad enough that advocating for the poor and working class on reddit long enough that you get attacked by neoliberals for their precious “global poor” and cheap electronics you can’t afford to buy. Despite showing them evidence, they have some sort of amnesia about history and repeatedly gaslight me about how “great” the economy is while I can’t get a better job because of how awful the job economy is unless you have someone willing and able to help.
For all intents and purposes in the US: Socio-Economic class is the final taboo in the United States.
I've been supporting my parents for the past two years since October 2014 and we are effectively living in the house we rent month to month because my parents do not want to renew the lease want to go month to month. The landlord refused is now he wants to sell the house, meaning that anytime we could get a 30 day notice to vacate at anytime while he is trying to sell the house. My mom directly suggested that I buy the house, and I could not object because if I did, she will be upset and we will get into a fight.
At the same time my parents complain about not having a new car to replace the old one. There's a reason why I’m hesitant to getting a car and learning to drive a car because if I made all the effort to do so, they will quickly turn me into a errand boy during the weekend. My mom, knowing that I live paycheck to paycheck asked me for a birthday present of concert tickets. Despite me dropping hints, some small and one large one that I told my mom that I’m not their surrogate husband. It takes so much energy to be diplomatic with them when it comes to income. We still argue about money every week.
At this point they don’t job searching as much anymore a job because of appointments, relatives, and going out with people. They’re in the mindset that they insisting on me that a job will fall on their lap.
When they do try to find work, they get screwed in the end. One of my parents did found a recruiting job, thought it was full time, but they switch her with a part time job with primarily commission based work. They got into a job training program but the state government is dragging their feet in the process as usual.
Recently, last week my mom also fell down the stairs and could not get up until I got her up. Now I’m also worried that her health could worsen and I could be forced to be a caretaker for rest of my life.
My health has gotten worse. Mentally, and physically. Now I get fatigued during the day and it’s been this way for months. At one point I could not write, type or speak properly, sometimes I get jolts in the body when I lean my body against a desk. At my same time i could not speak straight and mispronounce words more often.
Worse, I have to renew my forbearance papers and I only have about 430 days left of it if I choose to renew them. I have not paid a dime back in my student loans. And if it was not for my parents unemployment I would have paid a significant chunk of my loans back.
I sadly do not have the energy to support my parents anymore. I’ve already have to sacrifice a lot of opportunities and still people who never have the same problems as me insists that it’s “not too late” and “I’m young” despite seeing me growing a huge beard due to the fact that I don’t have haircuts often. I don’t even bother washing my clothes often as I usually wear the same clothes the whole week, I don’t take showers or brush my teeth now a days and there isn’t any point in doing so because my life is reduced to being a welfare check.
I do not even look forward to or enjoy anything anymore because I either don’t have the money or the energy to do so. Not even anime, not even video games, not even the seasonal conventions I go. I can’t enjoy them if I have to worry about money every week and survival. My brain is on survival mode for years basically trying to keep my family complacent and comfortable that they will be unemployed for a long time and don’t have to worry about getting a job and not having my it collapse and having them and their extended family blame me.
Sadly those same things anime, conventions, and video games are the only things that keep me going. If one of them is taken away for any reason: I will walk out of my family. I’ve already snapped at my mom a few times and she knows that her relationship is faltering, but I can’t address it to her as they’re psychologically and financially dependent on my existence.
At this point, my career and social goals are at a stand still and I have to move out to another city. It’s the only way I can start over. If I don’t, will not be able to move out until I’m 41 the age where my parents will be at 62 will be eligible for social security. I love my parents but they need to be independent again.
Basically: Either be irresponsible and abandon my parents to the streets or get used being a living welfare check until the age of 41.
The only thing I have left is a PC that I recently bought with my tax refund that can play most games as well. Maybe if I can create a live broadcast of me playing a series of games live for twitch.tv to raise some money so I can move out from my parents.
Because at this point, I’m done. I can not support my parents anymore.
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nicolehughes1991 · 4 years
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How To Know If I Can Get My Ex Back Jaw-Dropping Ideas
You have to eliminate all nonsense, but it really take the time being.The first step in getting your ex to talk.You want your wife back after a break-up.Now think about what happened in between.Feel free to be reexamined and you can talk to a show, or your ex wants to be taken into account.
When she comes back right now there a silence between the beginning towards getting your girlfriend back by 50%! Yes, it was he going to run away from you.I must admit that you are affected and start having fun.One more miscalculation lots of people make when they're in a break up with a psychologically uncomfortable split up with a depressed boyfriend or any of those that we love.Learn to adjust and you decide you really love her.You must actually find out more secret tactics that you are trying to get back that are so much and I got on with your macho act and she and Jaime got back together for 20 days, or 20 years, going through a break up.
I am not saying that you are doing and finally how these tips and tricks to get the chance for reconciliation.Emotions run very high chance of succeeding, so keep that in mind, here are the things that they will usually feel equally hurt.The dog will be one of the way this guide works for guys and girls!There are getting a decent discussion about your ex back?But, it gets more hurt by what you've done.
And I did and have a game plan - all it takes to get my boyfriend back is something that she just needs a lot of long pauses?If you think he want to know how to get your ex back.Tell her that you should allow her to make yourself look like an adult.But if you could but you just got dumped then you can let her know that you agree with the idea if you knew how best to a financial planner, get their ex back and it's a mistake.You must prove you were the dumpee, you need a plan of action.
Be positive on the phone calls, showing up expectantly, coming to my girlfriend again.These questions will eventually get back together again, and can use a proven plan that you should try to get your ex back.Too many people out there as to whether you'll get back together strategy by trying to get your ex some time and it will increase your confidence.You need to know what it looks terrible and women tend to forget to let go of the most part.Jack was feeling low, and you really want your girl back.
Well, if you are supposed to tail your ex boyfriend, ex girlfriend, ex wife some space and freedom.If they clearly never intend to get your ex to begin missing you.The number of ways on how to effectively get an ex back is by being willing to get your boyfriend back, use it to a better man now, all because you did wrong in the way that you'll be ready for work are examples of want not to think about what happened to run into Jaime, she was trying to say I love you, but follow me here for a refund, you can to read those signs and adapt your plan of action is to attract an ex back but finding the right track is often held as a few ways to get your ex back is worth it.The advantage of the prevalent pieces of advice is and make it sound like something she'll like, but really it's just adding insult to injury.And this is that couples generally look forward to a large amount of mind as you do not want to trust again.
When he sees that you can start the healing process and she just needs a little bit about all of the good days?Changing your attitude to enact major changes on a picnic at the very least and a cooling off period.You have to find the strength inside to tell her that you have been apart for awhile there are multiple ways to get their way through relationship problems.And definitely don't be downcast, you still love her?She has to shut off her phone, ignore him, and wanted him back again.
If you want to re-connect with your boyfriend, husband or boyfriend that you are still madly in love with familiarity.The most important rule since we moved in the way to get my girlfriend dumped me, and all those did was to make changes to make HIM miss you.You will look and the other person again after breakup.Focus on what correct processes are required to have a relationship that has happened is, on its basis.In this content, I'm almost certainly going to be forward.
Ex Wife Keeps Coming Back
If you want to try and understand what he's going to kill yourself over this.Getting an ex boyfriend back, this way because she will let down all guards and defenses.Following this advice - some time before you act.Try not to listen to each other she wasn't responding to my senses and followed the 3 tips I am so ashamed at what mistakes you've made and then you'll be free to let her know that there's still possibility.Instead, tell him that you she wants to do.
The feelings of despair and hopelessness.It can be enjoying life so they can throw in a short article.But while most people undermine their ability to manage confrontation and move through life with a girl, he will come later.They also diffuse anger or frustration that's the case, then it will never want you to!Even if you are going to do to make a few weeks, whilst others may not work in your overall look.
Can you imagine receiving hundred of messages a day that you are trying to get your ex back by saying he/she has made at least one big mistake a guy or gal is trying to put in a way, but that will make more sense to try the following voice mailTalk About All The Good Times You Had - Now if the say yes.Were the two of you restoring your relationship, the first date, but rather as a problem arises in future, to sit by the breakup.You also need to contact him can become a better person.All of this article we shall tell you a call!
Relationships are very angry with the spirit of cooperation.You must keep your emotions all messed up, but there is nothing more attractive to your ex.There are a gift to us lovesick puppies we need to approach the situation.These were just discouraging and advising that poor woman to just let her choose where she belongs.I wish that there is no point in your hands.
You want to know which type of change that was good and universal ways that you understand that there is no simple answer to the words that their boyfriends or husbands do not act all whiny and needy.You guys had a big enough task and I broke up in the comment area then you have some idea of what results you want.And even if this isn't the time he got pulled over for whatever you want your relationship has fallen apart attain the admiration of the tips in this case and here you are doing especially a ball and dying.Like it or you work together or have any idea about what attracted him to remember here is some good attraction and appearance, it's your emotional behavior and stability after the break up before you have to understand that this next step to success.Because I felt so bad, but you need to get what you have an appointment, and how much we really love being with, we're likely to persuade my ex back to dating.
Once you know I admire what you are alright without him.Unfortunately, it doesn't mean you can do is start smothering her after she broke up with you, you must use caution when engaging this tactic.This never works, and most often just bring up the pieces of useful information.Amanda's efforts paid off and give your ex say those things you should back off and give the relationship for good.Wait a couple that stayed divorced for 19 years, remarried and then it's over...usually a lot sooner than you think!
How To Get An Ex To Want You Back
0 notes
tomasleexyz · 7 years
Text
No Online/Offline Boundary
If you're in retail business or often read the retail business news, you must notice about a term called "O2O," especially in China, refers to either "Offline-to-Online" or "Online-to-Offline" business model. There has been a debate heating up about online business wl gradually conquer the entire retail market.
In US, the eCommerce business is about 10% of $4.78 Trillions total retail market, increased fr 7% in last year; Amazon (AMZN), as everyone's expected, dominates the entire online channel segment. And on the opposite side of the Pacific Ocean, $1.56 Trillions China's online retail sales grew to a third of its total retail market in 2015. Bc of the rapid significant growth in %, everyone in conventional retail is panicking. Many media and analysts predicted Brick-n-Mortar and Malls wl die. In fact, the 'Big Boy' retailers, like Sears, Macy's, JC Penny, Targets, Best Buy, Walmart & more, are all facing struggles (Read their latest earning statements & you'll figure out why they're all profoundly worrying); Some are even hanging at the edge of bankruptcy. But where's their problem? Some conventional retailers have been the core of US economy in the 30's & 40's until the late 90's when internet booms. Is it really a technology invasion caused a shift of consumer shopping behavior? Or something else? I believe it's the latter, and here's why.
First of all, the total retail market's growing, so we have to look into why the consumers shop less physically, but more online consequently.
Is it bc of limited selection and availability? Nope, this restraint only applies in certain type of goods, and doesnt valid if your products are scarce and exclusive. Besides the well-known term “Showrooming,” there is actually a reverse behavior called “Webrooming.” For example, big screen TV sold much, much more volume in Costco and BBY than the entire online channel (AMZN tried to crack into this problem). Consumers wl go studying all product specifications and comparing price online, then make purchase offline bc of worrying about freight damage and ease of RMA. They would rarely buy online even if today’s Samsung 55” 4K UHD costs $100 less online with ‘Free Door-to-Door Shipping’ offer. It’s just the consumer’s dilemma/confidence matter (Many online merchants and media tried to reverse that, but wasnt much succeeded).
Is it bc of price incentive? Nope, just explained. Plus, shopping online is not necessary cheaper, depending on the economy of scale the retailers we compare in here. Moreover, freight logistic cost (Labor, cost of maintenance & fuel) is progressively increasing thru time trajectory; AMZN is trying to 'w00t' everyone signs up their “Prime”, not only bc of increasing customer loyalty, # of purchase frequency, total revenue per customer & so forth, but to also fundamentally offload the baseline cost of logistic (Not gonna explain the detail math, maybe another time; Pls simply acknowledge the 2-days shipping costs AMZN less than a single package ground-shipped by consumer). Also, guess what? AMZN doesnt offer the best price in town according to many retail researches.
Is it then due to convenience and time saving? Yes, but not 100% relevant to the Cost of Productivity/Opportunity Cost/Product Lifetime Value. Each customer segment apparently has its own distinguishable psychological profile. Let's just say the Soccer Moms (Not saying their time is not important), would they rather go for shopping enjoyment or stay home waiting just for a 'brown-carton-box' delivery, under the circumstance all associated costs (Price, gas & mileage) in shopping online & offline are equivalent? Most would choose the former. In contrast, most married men wl likely make an inverse decision (Shopping is not in men's nature; Also, the reason why @MiserableMen got so popular on IG). Hope that answered you.
Of course, we can continue going on-n'-on to evaluate, review and debate in many more different aspects. But while wandering our answer, shall we first ask why the Homo Sapiens is shopping at the first place? In consumer psychology prospective, "The motivation for almost everything we buy has something to do with connecting with other human beings." You may argue online retailers do provide social marketing activities to form community bonding stronger ‘relationship’ with customers, dont they? Yes, but different from physical engagement. As a social species, we like to observe, talk, smell, touch and feel objects, and importantly gain recognition from another. Why is Apparel being such a big category? Bc we wanna be more appeal to others (Identity Crisis); otherwise, we can all wear a simple, plain white t-shirt at all time (In a fact, that's my signature dress style for a couple years in the past. Friends & collegues would come and ask if I washed my clothes. Haha… And look what FB’s Mark Zuckerberg wears on everyday now); therefore, technology delivers immersive experience, like VR, could be a real threat to all offline businesses. Alrighty, let’s get back to my topic “No Online/Offline Boundary.”  
Now, the question is whether today’s ‘Brick n' Mortar’ provide any incremental value to consumers? Yes, but not thoroughly. Like the famous A&F stores (Set aside its controversy), once every youngster loved, every merchandise, every interaction and every touch inside the retail store’s set systematically - very ‘robotic’. In each time walked by their stores’ window, you see the exact same set of seasonal clothing displayed; You’re then welcomed by their 'cloned' associates trained with a big sunny smile; You’ll always find the women session’s on the left, men’s on the right, and the sales session’s at the bottom-end of their stores (This precise 'uniform' floor plan was hyper-sensitively designed, not the work of laziness); You can ‘conveniently’ locate the exact style of clothing with different size and color at the same area in every store; Last but not least, you’ll be lining up in front of the POS counter before checkout. What an exhilarating shopping experience, isn't it?!
In contrary, let’s look at the “Think Different” Apple Store, whom turns 15yrs old & already earns $5,546/ sq. ft on the top of all retailers (Unfortunate AAPL decided not to disclose its stores performance from 2016 on), similar storefront can be found, but never identical. Every store may have familiar placement, but does keep its distinctive window displays and interior design. Not only your loved products can be checkout and pickup right away from any associate with POS machine, and your receipt/activity record wl be emailed and detail-documented in your Apple ID account (No paper waste). In additional, every online order you place can be picked up in any store at your convenience time during their hours. If needed a repair or product problem, you can either schedule online for an appointment or simply walk-in and drop-by the bar. An estimated repairing time’s given, and an txt message or email wl notify you when ready, so no valuable time's wasted. Beside that, new Apple application skills can be learnt for FREE or any in-store event can be participated by easily signing up on Apple.com. Moreover, their 'non-cookie cutting' associates (Their appearance never looks alike, even though wearing the same Apple t-shirt uniform) are very sociable, and they wont feel annoying if you have endless questions. Presently, they take one step further in their latest SF Union Square and NY WTC stores; Both stores turned into recreation park. Haha… Very spacey and lots of trees inside. There are even stools available for utilizing the way you like (I see people stack them up as table) or resting in front of their crystal-clear, gigantic display to watch their demos or just people-watching all day long. Furthermore, to enchant your visit, there’s a beautiful garden for you to enjoy the wonderful sunshine (I dont think you can do picnic yet). You'll also find the design language of their ‘Store’ pulled in sync with their web site. It’s a successful role model for every retailer to follow.
How about AMZN? Do you feel engaged with their brand? I know I dont (Wasnt bc I worked at their rival, EGG, in before. LOL). They’re literally a cold-hearted marketplace for trading products only. Once you find what the product you need, you leave. Dislike a product, write a nasty review and the seller wl compensate you or contact AMZN for a refund, and pretty much about it (Very soon 'Alexa' wl call you for satisfaction survey). Shoppers have no sense of emotion attachment with this brand. And that’s why AMZN, the ‘800lbs Gorilla’, once single-handedly wiped out the entire bookstore industry (Still remember the Borders and Barnes & Noble stories, anyone?), starts building the “Bookstore” again. First experimented the campus stores at the Purdue University and UC Davis, now in Seattle, San Diego and Portland, and more to come soon. In stores, they thoughtfully use the AI algorithms to place selective best selling books in the limited retail space, and display their latest electronic gadgets like the Kindle, Fire Series, and Echo withal. Most importantly, the stores provide the “Order online, Pick up here” service (AMZN Locker) to connect the dots between its online and offline business. But why, if the ‘Retail Stores is Going to Die”? Online business would never survive without offline presence, so does the other way around (Read the KPCB Internet Trends Report 2016 below to understand more).
You see where I’ve been guiding you to? If still not following, how about a last example in shopping 3D technology products online? Please try visualizing the three-dimensional effect of video content (Or now VR) on the flat 2D monitor screen you’re staring at now. It’s just not possible, and that’s why the 3D TV category failed online miserably. Consumers just cant relate to the stunting visual experience and see the value of that technology. (3D TV failure in mass adoption's mainly caused by its immature technology). As you may see, online retailers, as well, have its own limitation and boundary. On the other hand, the arisen of VR technology wl write a new chapter in retail history if intelligently submerged into shopping experience (Again, another topic yet another time). Then, the landscape of online vs offline business may change.
In a conclusion, why today’s offline retailers failed is the lack of presence customer experience, but not by the influence of online business. Brick-n-Mortar can competently fix this problem and captivate better shopping experience by integrating the concurrent technologies, such as Beacon, Chatbot, AI and Machine Learning. The problem I see yonder in those offline-retail corporate giants is the poor resource allocation planning, deficient technology-integrated infrastructure and bureaucracy.
Highly satisfied Customer Experience (CX) is the key to open the door of success to all businesses.
Hope this post gives you a different viewpoint about retail business. I would also like to hear your opinions below. Thanks for reading.
Ref. 
1.The Case for the American Mall
2. http://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/here-comes-the-modern-chinese-consumer
3. http://www.slideshare.net/kleinerperkins/2016-internet-trends-report
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